More than 70% of all of the critical information about your health can be revealed in a blood test.  It’s important to understand your results both to stay healthy as well as treat any ailments that you may have.

Heart Health

Heart attacks and heart disease are the leading cause of death for adults in the United States, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in this country.  Two out of every five people who have a heart attack do not survive.

Cholesterol

The term cholesterol refers to a number of special molecules known as lipoproteins, not all of which are harmful.

HDL Cholesterol

Known as the “good cholesterol”, these high-density lipoproteins keep your heart healthy.

Foods that have lots of good HDL: nuts, seeds, oatmeal and fish.

LDL Cholesterol

Known as the “bad cholesterol”, a high level of these low-density lipoproteins can lead to heart disease, hardening of the arteries and strokes.

Foods that contribute to high LDL levels: breads, pasta, sugar, cheese and fried foods.

Cholesterol Ratios

One thing your doctor will look for is the ratio between your HDL and LDL levels, as well as understanding other sub-particles like Apo-B and ILP(a).  These numbers can help your doctor assess your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Triglycerides:
Also known as dietary fat, high amounts of triglycerides can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Contributing factors to high triglyceride levels: being overweight, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and eating a lot of processed carbohydrates

Inflammation:
When organs and cell tissues become irritated and inflamed, this can contribute to serious illnesses like cancer, auto-immune diseases, dementia and heart disease.  Reducing inflammation is a smart way to stay healthy.  Certain proteins like hs-CRP can indicate that there is an issue with inflammation.

Foods that help reduce inflammation: oranges, green tea, blueberries, salmon, papayas, olive oil, sweet potatoes and broccoli.

Thyroid:
Experts estimate that 1 person in 8 in the United States suffers from thyroid disease, although many cases go undiagnosed.  Problems with the thyroid can lead to obesity and chronic fatigue.  A condition known as hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland fails to make enough hormones to maintain a healthy metabolism.

Hypothyroidism can lead to: higher cholesterol levels, obesity, heart disease, greater susceptibility to colds, and low energy levels.

Vitamin D
This vitamin is absolutely critical for health and yet approximately 3 out of 4 Americans do not spend enough time outside in order to produce a sufficient level of vitamin D in their bodies.  Low vitamin D levels can lead to heart disease, cancer, bone diseases, and infections.

Consuming fish oil will help your body make more vitamin D.

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SmartChoiceMD Labs now routinely offer biomarker testing as part of general wellness programs or when ordered by doctors in order to determine the presence or severity of an ailment. The first biomarker tests made accessible for the general public were for cholesterol after medical research determined that lipoprotein levels were clear indicators of an increased risk or the presence of cardiovascular disease. Today, biomarker tests can be used to identify problems with blood clotting, kidney and liver function, insulin production and pancreatic health, certain types of cancer and risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary embolisms and strokes, issues related to pregnancy and conception, and certain genetic abnormalities.

Another useful aspect of biomarker testing is monitoring and quantifying the effectiveness of medications. Patients who take blood thinners, cholesterol reducing medications and other drugs can undergo biomarker testing so that their physicians can accurately assess the amount of medication in their system as well as any changes that have been produced in order to adjust dosages accordingly.  Some biomarkers are termed predictive biomarkers because doctors use these results to help assess the effectiveness of a specific therapy while prognostic markers show how well a given drug is working to treat an ailment.

Depending on the need of the patient, biomarker testing can include: blood counts (including the various components of the blood), insulin levels and blood sugar (useful for diagnosing the presence of or risk for developing diabetes), lipoproteins (which include all the different types of cholesterol), antibodies (which can reveal organ damage and/or inflammation), rheumatoid factors (for diagnosing the presence of or severity of arthritis), thyroid levels, enzyme levels (which show how well various organs are functioning), cancer markers, and genetic abnormalities.

One of the latest developments in the field of biomarker testing is understanding and calibrating certain metabolic functions. Often referred to as metabolomics, certain tests can be performed to provide a “snapshot” of how well various cellular processes are operating in the body.  Metabolomics biomarker testing can reveal not just how well a person’s metabolism is functioning but help provide useful data on tailoring diets and/or medication in order to promote a healthy weight and treat ailments or take pro-active steps to reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses.

CBS report: http://www.cbs19.tv/story/31656159/kalorama-cancer-biomarker-testing-market-grows-to-48-billion

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If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or the condition known as “prediabetes”, elevated sugar levels that are the hallmark of diabetes need to be addressed before serious complications can develop. Many people with elevated blood sugar levels want to know, “Is insulin right for me?” and whether there are proven alternatives to taking medicinal insulin.

Insulin Resistance

Consuming certain foods and drinks leads to a natural process by which the amount of sugars in the blood become elevated. Under healthy circumstances, any excess sugars in the blood are “eaten” or scrubbed from the blood by insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas. Diabetes is a disease with many negative outcomes but is effectively a simple equation – the amount of sugar in the blood is higher than the body’s ability to process it.

The CDC and other world health organizations recognize that insulin resistance is the first step towards developing diabetes. With insulin resistance, the body’s ability to use naturally-produced insulin to lower blood sugar levels becomes increasingly ineffective over time. It is thought consistently eating diets rich in certain substances raise blood sugar levels too high and thus overtax the pancreas’s ability to produce enough insulin.

Over time, the insulin that is produced becomes less and less effective, leading to chronically elevated blood sugar levels. Consistently high levels of blood sugar is a condition known as “prediabetes”, the last step on the path towards developing full-blown Type 2 diabetes.

A simple blood test can tell you your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels are higher than the healthy range, this may be a strong indicator that you are developing insulin resistance. Consult with a doctor right away if you have high blood sugar levels. The best known cure is prevention – taking steps to address the problem before it becomes Type 2 diabetes.

Is Insulin Right for You?

If your doctor has officially diagnosed you with Type 2 diabetes, there are a number of steps you can take to manage and treat your condition. Popular misconceptions about diabetes lead to many people thinking that they must take insulin if they have diabetes. In fact, only about 14% of diabetes sufferers use insulin and 13% combine insulin and oral medications. The majority of people with diabetes – 57% – rely on oral medication only while 16% manage their blood sugar levels strictly by diet and exercise.

The benefit of taking medicinal insulin is that it is thought to supplement the body’s natural production of insulin, giving the body an extra boost that it needs in order to reduce blood sugar levels. Only your doctor or a trained medical professional can give expert counsel on whether or not insulin therapy is the best course of treatment for treating your diabetes. Many experts, however, recognize that since Type 2 diabetes is principally caused by deficiencies in diet and lifestyle, taking pro-active healthy steps in nutrition and increased mobility should always be attempted first before attempting to ameliorate the problem with medicinal insulin.

Research has effectively concluded that several forms human analogue synthesized insulin have now proven effective in reducing blood sugar levels in people with confirmed cases of diabetes. The benefits of taking insulin to treat diabetes is that it can be adjusted to dietary intake and can be used in conjunction with other diabetes medications. The downside to insulin is that it may require several injections a day and anyone who is dependent on therapeutic insulin must carry it with them with them everywhere they go.

Medicinal insulin is produced by either extracting insulin from animals or by synthesizing human insulin in a laboratory. Some people object on ethical grounds to taking insulin extracted from animals. Approximately 2% of people who have tried insulin have demonstrated an allergy to the product as a reaction to the preservatives used in medicinal insulin, including zinc, meta-cresol, and protamine.

As with all serious illnesses, consult with your doctor before beginning any course of treatment for diabetes.

Injected Insulin, the Insulin Pump, Insulin Pen and Inhaled Insulin

Due to the way the body breaks down foods in the gastrointestinal tract, taking insulin orally is not feasible. People who suffer from diabetes can inject insulin under the skin using a needle, infuse insulin under the skin via an insulin pump, inject insulin with a special “pen” or, in some cases, inhale insulin using a special device.

Synthesized human analogue insulin is sold by a number of brand names, including Apidra, Humulin, Novolin, Novolog, Relion, Humalog, Actrapid, Lantus, and NovoRapid. All are designed to lower blood sugar levels but some are designed to be fast-acting while others are designed for longer-term release of insulin into the blood.

Determining dosages is an extremely complicated endeavor due to the different ways in which food is broken down and digested in the body. Administering the right dosage of insulin requires expert medical counsel and experience in monitoring blood sugar levels and responding accordingly with the right dose of insulin.

Other Medications for Managing Diabetes

Although administering insulin from an exterior source is the oldest and most well-understood treatment for diabetes, there are now a number of pharmaceutical medications available for managing and controlling Type 2 diabetes.

One medication, officially called Metformin but sold under a variety of trade names such as Glucophage, Obimet, and Dianben, is a popular alternative to insulin in treating Type 2 diabetes. Although there are some known side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, Metformin has been shown to be effective in managing diabetes by causing the liver to decrease glucose (sugar) production.

The following medications differ from insulin because they can be taken orally in tablet form. All of them are now officially recommended by the American Diabetes Association as a first-line treatment for treating both prediabetes (elevated blood sugar levels not high enough to be full-blown diabetes) as well as Type 2 diabetes.

Glimepiride, sold under a number of different names such as Amaryl, Diabeta, Micronase, Glucotrol and Glynase, works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Can be taken right after eating or used in slow-release forms for longer lasting protection.

Repaglinide, also sold under the names Prandin and Starlin, are similarly designed to rapidly reduce blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Usually taken right after a meal.

Thiazolidinediones Pioglitazone, usually abbreviated as TZD but also sold under the brand name Actos is a different class of medication that works to open up muscle cells so that they absorb more glucose (sugar) in the blood while also dampening the liver’s ability to produce glucose.

Sitagliptin, sold under the brand names Januvia, Onglyza, and Tradjenta, is designed to boost Metformin’s ability to restrict the liver’s production of glucose. This class of medications is designed to be taken just once a day.

A new class of drugs to treat diabetes are known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Sold under the names Precose and Glyset, they work by delaying and slowing down the body’s process of digesting carbohydrates.

Bile Acid Sequestrants, often sold under the brand name Welchol, were originally designed to treat high cholesterol but were shown to have a beneficial side effect of reducing glucose production in the liver. Usually taken in combination with other diabetes medications.

In addition to the above classes of medications, several “combination” medications have been designed to reduce the number of pills a person with diabetes has to take during the day. These are sold under a variety of trade names, including Actoplus Met, Glucovance, Janumet, Metaglip, Kombiglyze, Prandimet and Duetact. Because these combination pills are very powerful, they can lead to incidences of hypoglycemia or blood sugar levels that are too low.

Always consult with a physician about the correct dosage to take of any medication.

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The CMP is also known as a Comprehensive Wellness Test, a Comprehensive Wellness Panel or Comprehensive Wellness Profile (CWP). Whether as part of diagnosing and treating illnesses, a pro-active requirement by insurance companies, or part of a yearly check-up, the CMP is used to monitor organ function and overall health, offering invaluable insights into the state of a person’s health.

What is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?

Doctors use the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) as a way to screen for certain illnesses and as pro-active wellness diagnostic tool. Depending on the needs of the individual, either the complete CMP can be run or just key parts of it.

In order to get accurate readings, it is critical that anyone planning on taking a CWP should refrain from eating the night prior (fasting for a minimum of 10 hours) and drinking only water as well as taking any prescribed medications. Once in the laboratory, a blood sample will be taken and results should be available within a few days.

If unusual results are obtained after the initial CMP is analyzed, it may be necessary to follow-up with additional specific tests to help your doctor confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.

What does a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Include?

Depending on your needs, only some of the following tests may be included when you undergo a comprehensive metabolic panel. The full CMP battery includes:

• Glucose Test – This test measures blood sugar levels, vital for both diagnosing diabetes as well as identifying a risk for developing diabetes in the near future.
• Uric Acid – The levels of uric acid in the bloodstream are key indicators of how well your digestive system is functioning as well as how your kidney is functioning.
• BUN – Also known as the BUN test, the acronym stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen. This test helps identify how well your kidneys are metabolizing protein.
• Creatinine – When your muscles process energy, they discard creatinine that is processed through the kidney. High levels of creatinine in the blood may indicate a problem with the kidneys or muscle-related issues.
• BUN/Creatinine ratio – Problems with the kidneys are associated with both high uric acid and creatinine levels but their specific ratio can help doctors determine exactly which problems the kidneys are having.
• Calcium Test – Testing the amount of calcium in your blood cannot identify how much calcium is in a person’s bones but allows doctors to determine the general state of health of the bones, teeth, heart, nervous system and heart function.
• Iron Test – Low levels of iron in the blood may indicate anemia.
• Phosphorous Test – This mineral, in conjunction with calcium, is essential for nerve function, muscle development, and blood clotting.
• Cholesterol Test – Fat molecules in the blood are divided into two categories: cholesterol and triglycerides. Measuring overall cholesterol levels can be an excellent way to identify issues relating to thyroid function, pancreatic disease, liver function, diabetes, and the hardening of the arteries (known by its medical term arteriosclerosis).
• Triglycerides Test – Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood may indicate a problem with the pancreas, liver, thyroid or the hardening of the arteries.
• HDL Test – Known as the “good” form of cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are considered beneficial to preventing heart disease.
• LDL Test – The type of cholesterol considered damaging to your health, elevated levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood stream are associated with elevated risks of developing heart disease.
• Glomerular Filtration (eGFR) Test – This test helps determine how well the kidneys are able to remove toxins from the bloodstream.
• Protein and Albumin – Sometimes also paired with a Globulin test, this test is a wonderful tool for analyzing the overall health of an individual. By measuring the ratio of protein in the body, doctors can identify infections, problems with nutrition, as well as identify a host of illnesses. Globulin and Albumin are specific forms of protein. This test is sometimes called a “Total Protein Test”.
• Bilirubin Test – One of the key ingredients in your bile, elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate that red blood cells are being destroyed or that the liver is having difficulty functioning properly.
• AST Test – Known as the Aspartate Aminotransferase Test, this refers to a special enzyme that can indicate problems with the liver if levels are too high. Sometimes known as the SGOT test.
• ALT Test – The acronym stands for the Alaninine Aminotransferase Test. Another important enyzme produced by the liver that can help identify problems with the liver.
• LDH Test – Stands for Lactate Dehydrogenase, an enzyme produced by the heart, kidney, brains, liver, and red blood cells. Elevated levels of LDH may indicate that an organ has been damaged.
• GGT Test – Sometimes referred to as the GGTP test. Stands for Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase or transferase. Elevated levels of this enzyme can indicate problems with the bile duct and/or kidney.
• Sodium, Serum – Measures how much sodium is in the bloodstream. Critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
• Potassium Test – The nervous system and muscles rely on this mineral for proper functioning.
• Chloride, Serum – Similar to the sodium test, the amount of chlorides in the bloodstream help identify problems with the electrolyte balance in the body.
• Carbon Dioxide – The amount of CO2 in the bloodstream is used to monitor and identify problems with electrolyte imbalances.
• Thyroid Panel/TSH Test – A comprehensive series of test to help monitor thyroid function as well as levels of the critical Thryoid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
• CBC with Differential and Platelets – Known as the Complete Blood Count, this comprehensive test measures all of the different kinds of blood cells, including platelets. White blood cells are used to fight off infections. Red blood cells are used to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in red blood cells that bind with oxygen. Hematocrit levels indicate how well red blood cells are absorbing oxygen. Basophils, Eosinophils, Lymphocites and Monocytes are all critical components of white blood cells. Platelets are used by the body to clot the blood and repair cell damage. A RDW count (red cell distribution) helps measure the size of red blood cells, a key test that can indicate problems like anemia.

The Benefits of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Test

The results from your CMP will help your doctor get an overall look at the general state of your health. By analyzing the pattern of your results, your doctor can get important clues towards diagnosing your overall health condition as well as specific symptoms or problems.

If abnormal results are obtained, your doctor may order additional CMPs or components of the CMP in order to monitor and track the function of your organs, metabolic function, diet and prescription medications.

Because both prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can alter the results of the CMP it is essential that you tell your doctor if you are taking anything before submitting to a CMP.

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An additional benefit to undergoing comprehensive blood, DNA and urine tests is that nutritionists and doctors can identify new and better ways to control illnesses and improve health through diets tailored to an individual’s unique genetic make-up and state of wellness. Personalized patient care through lab testing will soon become the standard in today’s medical world.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

Sometimes known as a Comprehensive Wellness Test, a Comprehensive Wellness Panel or Comprehensive Wellness Profile (CWP), a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a full battery of tests that analyze the levels of various enzymes, proteins, and minerals in the blood.

The results of a CMP help doctors get a big picture view of a person’s overall state of health. Elevated levels or abnormal ratios of different blood components can be critical for helping doctors confirm or rule out a diagnosis of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions.

Most CMP screenings include an analysis of liver function, blood sugar levels, kidney function, electrolyte balance, thyroid function, bone health, and thyroid function.

General Wellness Testing

A general wellness test is a full battery of tests to help give doctors an overall picture of your health. Unlike a CMP, a General Wellness Test usually consists of giving both a blood and urine sample for analysis.

The results of a General Wellness Test can help determine critical factors about your lifestyle, diet and overall health. While not specific enough to pinpoint diseases, a general wellness test is a great way to identify problems before they become serious as well as areas of success.

General Wellness Tests are becoming increasingly popular as part of regular check-ups as they give your doctor baseline information to monitor and track changes in your health.

Genetic Testing for Diet

One of the latest trends in personalized lab testing is undergoing genetic analysis to help determine an ideal diet customized to a person’s unique genetic makeup and metabolic factors.

By taking a swab of cheek cells, the field of nutrigenomics (improving diet through genetic analysis) can help identify a person’s genetic makeup and use this information to create a tailored diet. Doctors already understand that genes play an important role in metabolic function, enzyme production, and hormone levels. It is thought that nutrigenomics can help nutritionists and doctors give personalized recommendations of an ideal diet for maintaining a healthy weight and nutritional intake.

Better Patient Care

A lot of people are now using wearable tracking devices to create extensive records about their daily activity, sleep patterns, and other useful health information. Lab tests have a similar benefit. By regularly getting your blood and urine checked, you and your doctor will be better equipped to understand important changes in enzyme, metabolic function, organ function, and blood sugar levels that could help identify the onset of an illness, organ damage, and other problems before they become serious.

Genetic testing, comprehensive metabolic panels and general wellness tests are also useful methods for analyzing exactly how well your body is functioning, your general state of nutrition, and identifying which factors could be contributing to obesity, illness, or other aspects of poor health. This information can then be used by your doctor to diagnose any problems that you’re having and improve patient care.

Being armed with specific detailed numbers about how well your organs, arteries, and metabolic system is functioning is also a great way to identify areas of success. An important component to maintaining good health is receiving positive feedback about what you’re doing right. Even if you are currently in good health now, comprehensive lab tests are a great tool for monitoring fluctuations and changes as you go through life. If health issues do occur later on, your doctor will have invaluable information about your own unique personal health to help accurately diagnose illnesses or other problems.

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What is Ovarian Reserve Testing?

Most women undergo ovarian reserve testing as part of fertility treatment. Ovarian reserve testing is also required for women who want to undergo IVF (in vitro fertilization). During the test, her eggs, referred to medically as “oocytes”, are both counted as well as examined for various markers that help determine fertility.

Most ovarian reserve testing is done indirectly. Instead of using invasive techniques to enter the ovaries and physically count the number of oocytes, doctors use a variety of techniques to measure
estrogen and other hormone levels to determine both the number and viability of a woman’s eggs.

How Does Ovarian Reserve Testing Work?

There are a number of indirect methods to test the viability and estimate the number of eggs that a woman has remaining.

The Day 3 FSH Test

The most common test is known as the Day 3 FSH Test. On the third day of a woman’s menstrual cycle, a blood sample is taken and analyzed for the level of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). Day 3 of the menstrual cycle is considered ideal because estrogen levels are naturally low, making it easier to detect FSH levels.

By analyzing FSH levels, doctors can get a better understanding of a woman’s fertility. If FSH levels are low, women have a better chance of fertility while higher levels indicate that there may be
difficulties in conceiving. FSH is an important hormone that regulates how follicles in the ovary either become viable eggs or self-terminate in the natural process of menstruation.

The FSH test usually also measures the levels of estradiol in the bloodstream, which works to suppress FSH. If repeated tests show that FSH levels are within normal levels but there is a high level of estradiol, it is believed that the estradiol is working against the FSH in order to produce viable eggs.

The Day 3 FSH Test is the most common ovarian reserve test used today
but two other tests have become more popular due to disagreement about
how to precisely match FSH levels with to a woman’s ability to
successfully conceive. Sometimes, doctors will also use a Day 10 FSH
test to better monitor the levels of FSH and estradiol throughout the
course of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Inhibin B Test

Inhibins are special proteins produced in the ovaries. The beta or B variant of inhibin works against the FSH hormone. By measuring the levels of Inhibin B in the blood, doctors can detect certain forms of ovarian tumors and other problems with the ovaries, as well as help understand the viability of a woman’s eggs. A high level of Inhibin B means there are more viable potential eggs present.

The Inhibin B test is usually conducted on day three of the menstrual cycle in conjunction with the FSH test.

CCCT

Commonly referred to by its initials, the Chlomiphene Citrate Challenge Test was originally developed as an improvement to the 3 Day FSH test for women who were 35 or older.

In addition to the Day 3 FSH and Day 10 FSH test, the CCCT involves consuming 100 milligrams of clomiphene citrate on days five through nine of the menstrual cycle. If FSH levels go up, this can be
an indication that there are ongoing fertility problems. If the clomiphene citrate successfully works to repress FSH levels, this is considered a positive indication of fertility. The CCCT is often used
because it is easier to measure clomiphene citrate levels than FSH in the bloodstream.

AMH Test

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone or AMH test measures a special protein that is produced by follicles in the ovaries. It is believed that the AMH hormone works to minimize the effects of FSH and thus higher levels of AMH are thought to indicate an increased ability to successfully
conceive.

Ultrasound

Similar to ultrasound tests used for pregnant women, sound waves are directed towards the ovary in an effort to measure the volume of a woman’s ovary. A bigger ovary size with a higher number of follicles indicates a higher level of fertility.

Age and Testing the Fertility of Eggs

All of the above tests are useful for determining egg quality, but the most significant factor in female fertility is the age of the woman. As a woman ages, changes in the chromosomes lead to an increased risk of producing infertile eggs. Most studies show that a woman’s eggs are at peak fertility between the ages of 21 to 35, with a steady decline as a woman reaches age 50.

Ovarian reserve testing is especially useful for women over the age of 35 and anyone experiencing difficulty in conceiving.

Limitations of Ovarian Reserve Testing

It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that all of the blood analysis tests used to determine ovarian reserve are subject to interpretation. Furthermore, hormone and protein levels fluctuate quite dramatically throughout the menstrual cycle, and it can often be difficult to
obtain a very precise reading.

Results indicating a low chance of a successful pregnancy do not rule out any chance of conceiving. It can be quite emotionally traumatic to receive official-sounding results that indicate that a pregnancy is impossible. One should always keep in mind that fertility science is still in its infancy and no individual result can ever say with complete certainty whether or not a successful conception is possible.

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Below are some of the newest fertility advancements:

Cell Free DNA Testing

Scientists have developed a new technique to analyze fetal DNA without having to extract cells. Certain at-risk women, such as women age 35 years or older and women with a history of certain chromosome disorders, can now be tested as early as the first trimester of their pregnancy. The new technique, known as cffDNA (cell-free fetal DNA) works by gathering and analyzing material directly from the mother’s blood, looking for DNA released by the placenta.

Uterine Transplants

In June 2015, a young woman who had her ovaries removed as a teenager was able to successfully carry a pregnant to term after having her womb re-attached. This is an extremely important breakthrough because it provides a method for women to have their uterus removed prior to undergoing chemotherapy and other therapies and then have the uterus re-attached in the future when conditions for being pregnant are more favorable.

The first woman to bring a baby to term after undergoing uterus transplantation suffered from an acute form of the blood disorder sickle-cell anemia, which required a treatment that significantly damaged her uterus.

Ovarian Transplants

Along with new breakthroughs in uterine transplants, scientists have made much more progress in the preservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue in order to boost fertility rates for women with cancer. A recent study in Denmark froze ovarian tissue for 32 women who were suffering from cancer. After the cancer therapy had been completed, the women had their frozen ovarian tissue transplanted back into their bodies, and 10 out of the 32 women successfully brought a pregnancy to term.

Starting at puberty, women will be able to have their ovaries frozen for later use. Women facing medical treatments that could potentially lower their fertility will be able to freeze their frozen ovaries transplanted when conditions for pregnancy are more favorable. Cryogenically preserving eggs is already an established procedure and currently available to the general public.

Babies with Three Parents

In 2015, Britain changed its law to permit mitochrondrial donation for pregnancies involving women who suffer from mitochrondrial diseases. The change in the law now permits women who suffer from mitochrondrial disease to be eligible for IVF (in-vitro fertilization) treatments, using a third “parent” to donate healthy mitochrondria so that the resulting pregnancy will not inherit the mother’s mitochrondrial disease.

Although technically DNA from three individuals is used to create a pregnancy using this technique, mitochrondria is not responsible for individual traits, so there is no effective change in parentage for the resulting pregnancy.

Gene Editing

Scientists have developed a new tool called CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly-interspaced palindromic repeats – associated protein 9) to directly edit DNA. While the CRISPR technology has existed for a few years, the new Cas9 version allows scientists to cut and replace specific DNA sequences.

Although this technology is still being developed, it is expected that gene editing will be able to strip out certain mutant genes responsible for a variety of inherited diseases and replace them with healthy versions. If this technology can be perfected, babies will no longer be at risk for a wide range of congenital diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, Huntington’s disease, and Marfan syndrome.

Treatments for PCOS

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can affect a woman’s fertility, including her hormone levels, ovulation, and menstrual cycle. It is estimated that approximately 10% of women in the United States are affected by PCOS. In 2015, scientists reported success using a new drug called letrozole (Femara) in treating PCOS in mice. This drug has not been evaluated by the FDA for general use in treating PCOS but a number of individual practitioners have used it with their clients and there is anecdotal evidence that Letrozole has achieved some success. Letrozole is currently approved only as a treatment for breast cancer.

Should future drug trials ultimately result in Letrozole becoming approved for human use, women affected by PCOS will be able to improve their fertility success rates, and have a greater chance of successfully ovulating and bringing a pregnancy to term. Currently, women with PCOS are advised to maintain a healthy weight, refrain from smoking, and closely monitor their ovulation to improve their fertility. Research is currently being conducted for other non-medication treatments in order to boost fertility rates for women with PCOS.

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For now though, diet labs offer a number of tests to help people understand their current health condition and be better informed about what proactive steps can be followed to lose weight and become healthier.

What Tests do Diet Labs Offer?

Right now, there is no standardized legal description of a “diet lab”, so every facility offers different diet testing. Some of the tests currently available from diet labs include:

• CBC – Otherwise known as a “Complete Blood Count,” this common test will measure the functioning of your immune system, as well as the oxygen levels in your body. The test can reveal certain forms of malnutrition, including anemia, as well as the presence of inflammation in cell tissues, which can be linked to the consumption of certain types of food and drinks.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – This full-spectrum test of your blood will reveal important insights into how your kidneys and liver are functioning. Your blood glucose levels will also be measured, which can reveal the presence of diabetes or an elevated risk of contracting Type II diabetes. Thyroid and other metabolic disorders can also be identified with this test, as well as abnormally low Vitamin D and/or calcium levels.
• Ketones – This test will measure the number of ketones in your urine. High levels can indicate the presence of diabetes or an excess of high glycemic index foods in your diet.
• Liver Panel – When people are obese, there is a strong correlation between high enzyme levels produced by the kidney. This test can also identify long-term damage to the kidneys.
• Serum Iron – This test measures the level of iron in your blood. Low levels may indicate anemia, iron deficiency due to dietary or other causes, as well as other forms of malnutrition.
• Lipid Profile – This is the test that measures the various forms of cholesterol in your blood, an important marker for tracking and monitoring your overall health.
• Serum Magnesium – This test can identify problems related to a loss of magnesium which can occur due to malnutrition, the consumption of diuretics (which include “water pills”), and excessive use of laxatives.
• Serum Phosphorous – Consuming too many diuretic drinks (which includes soft drinks, coffee, and tea) can lead to low calcium levels. High levels of phosphorous in the bloodstream can result from overusing common antacid products.
• Amylase Test – Performed on urine samples, the amylase test can reveal damage to the pancreas and/or salivary glands.
• Thyroid Panel – This test can reveal problems with the thyroid gland, including hypothyroidism (low levels of hormones produced by the thyroid glands). The thyroid is the “control center” of the body’s metabolic function, and can play a key role in difficulty losing weight.
• Transthyretin – Also referred to sometimes as prealbumin test, this can reveal certain deficiencies in the liver and the thyroid glands, as well as some forms of malnutrition.

It is also recommended that anyone visiting a diet lab get a standard check-up where vital signs are measured. These include blood pressure, pulse rate, and your temperature. Abnormal vital signs may indicate a fever, inflammation, dehydration and issues relating to blood pressure .

How Much Do Tests at a Diet Lab Cost?

Every diet lab charges different prices for their services. The tests listed above require just a small blood sample and/or urine sample but many diet labs send their blood work and/or urinalysis work to a third-party laboratory. In some cases, these tests may be covered by existing health insurance. Always check with your insurance provider for the exact details about which tests have partial or complete coverage.

Interpreting Your Diet Lab Results

The internet is replete with advice about how to interpret the results of your diet lab work but only a medical professional or nutritionist can give you an accurate diagnosis of the current state of your health. Working with the results of your diet lab tests, you and your nutritionist or healthcare professional can then develop a diet and exercise routine to help you succeed in losing weight and enjoying a healthier life.

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Many diet labs are now offering a new test that examines your DNA in order to discover the best diet for your unique needs. According to the claims by a number of diet lab companies, they will analyze your DNA and then give you a full report telling you what supplements you need, and exactly what diet best works for your genetic markers to help you lose weight and stay healthy

For decades, diet labs have analyzed blood and urine samples in order to reveal nutritional deficiencies and markers that can indicate the onset of common dietary-related diseases like high cholesterol, blood glucose levels, and thyroid gland activity. Now, many diet labs are claiming that they can analyze a simple Q-tip swab of the DNA cells in your cheek to craft the perfect diet.

This Emerging Field is Called Nutrigenomics.

While early results look promising, it is still too soon for experts to conclude whether or not it is possible to design a better diet simply by analyzing a person’s DNA. Some doctors support nutrigenomics because it is already established that genes control enzyme levels, metabolism, and hormone production. It is a reasonable assumption that understanding how an individual uniquely metabolizes and processes foods can help determine how many calories they need and any deficiencies in nutrition that can be addressed with the use of supplements. Furthermore, many common conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and certain forms of coronary disease are already known to be heavily influenced by inherited genetic factors

Using a DNA Test to Create a Customized Diet. 

Supporters of nutrigenomics say that an analysis of an individual’s DNA can be used to successfully design a diet to help keep them healthy and at a good weight. For example, conventional wisdom recommends that people eat a low fat diet if they have a history of heart disease in their family and/or have high levels of the so-called “bad” LDL cholesterol. Likewise, a low-carbohydrate diet may be recommended for individuals whose DNA reveals that they have high blood pressure or abnormal levels of triglycerides.

DNA tests can also reveal the presence of, or lack thereof, of certain enzymes. Some people may be unaware that they are lactose or gluten intolerant, so a DNA test can reveal important clues about how to eat a balanced diet. DNA tests can also reveal the presence of certain markers that will put some people at a higher risk of developing inflammatory diseases or diabetes, giving them advanced warning to make changes in their diet in order to stay healthy.

Is DNA Diet Testing Worth It? 

One advantage that DNA testing at a diet lab has over more traditional analyses from blood and urine samples is that you do not need to be present at the lab to give a sample. Most diet labs offer a simple mail-in kit where you take two cotton swabs (Q-tips) and send your sample off to the laboratory to be analyzed. While some diet labs charge a steep premium for their services, the price can often be far lower than traditional blood and urine analysis.

The verdict is still out on whether DNA testing to create a perfect diet is effective, however, many people believe that the low cost and simple process of mailing a cheek swab sample is worth a try. Certain DNA markers can reveal deficiencies in enzyme or hormone production, giving people valuable information about which types of foods or supplements are best for their unique needs. Other experts downplay the value of DNA diet testing, believing that eating a healthy, balanced diet outweighs the benefits of any special insights revealed by analyzing a person’s genes.

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